Before the age of the internet and even the telephone, people’s primary mode of communication was the letter. In the 18th century, an important stepping stone in the development of the novel as we know it was the story entirely made up of letters (the epistolary novel). Even though we no longer communicate via letter nearly as much as we did, it still makes for an interesting story to see what people include, what they leave out and what might be behind the lines.

So, as you’ve probably guessed, I’d like you to write a story (200 words or more) entirely comprised of letters. You could interpret this broadly and include email, social media or even chat messages, so long as everything that goes in is text someone is writing to another person. You’ll earn 20 beans for completing this prompt as well as it counting towards the chance to snag our shiny Quill and Ink award.

There is no deadline as such for these prompts but if you’d like it to count towards your chance of earning the award for a specific year, we’ll need it by the end of that school year. If you’re comfortable sharing, then post below. If not, email your story to us via hol.bookclub @ gmail.com (without the spaces). Oh and remember it’s a good idea to check through your piece carefully for spelling and grammatical errors as they make it harder for people to properly enjoy your work.

"Does the Walker choose the path or the path the walker?" -Garth Nix
(Av/sig by Amy!)

Dear Fred
Well, I found out the news the other day. Can I say whether I am excited, entranced, overjoyed or exuberant? Yes, I can say, but do I? I don't know. Be it as it may, I'm going for it.
KC
***
Dear KC
Well, I'm glad that you finally got the news. It's been sort of difficult holding back, because yeah, I already knew! Congratulations. Yes, I say congratulations and I'm very glad you are going for it. I'll be meeting you at the station, yes?
Fred
***
Fred, you yonk. Of course you are meeting me at the station. How else am I to get the rest of the way there? But I'm wondering, how much gear can I bring? Yeah, I say 'can' and not 'may'. In other words, how much room are you going to dedicate to my stuff? I could bring just a backpack and let you outfit me, or I could bring a couple of suitcases OR I can bring my trunk. Your choice.
KC
***
KC who is a light traveller
I'm not a yonk, dear. I think you meant to say 'yank'. Was that a deliberate miswriting? Oh. Yes, you're right. Yonk is the word. It has been a while, hasn't it? In the meantime, sure, bring all that you can bring. It would work out best if we don't have to outfit you from scratch. Even bring your digging tools. I know you have your favorites. Do you still name them?
Not-a-yonk.
***
Bless you Fred! YES! I will cram everything into the trunk. I can always buy more clothes, there, right? But if I can bring my shovel and the pick, and the bowie knife and my rope and, well, everything, that would be SO perfect.
KC
***
Dear KC
Please bring the clothes that fit you, too. Also bring at least three pairs of shoes or boots. You'll need them. You notice that I'm not even mentioning leaving Ratso behind. I'm figuring you are bringing him whether I say you can or not.
Fred
***
Fred who is very clever
Of course I'm bringing Ratso. Who else is qualified to sniff out the burglars and thieves and keep an eye on the treasures we find? He will go in the travelling compartment with me; I'll just make sure that it works out okay.
KC
***
KC and Ratso
Hi. Here are your tickets. The station master wondered about the description of the second person for the ticket, but she was basically okay with it. Please note that it is MANDATORY that you ride in the LAST carriage. Even the caboose, if that is possible. While she is fine with Ratso being with you she does not want the rest of the passengers to experience terror or fright.
Fred-who-is-uber-clever
***
Hi Fred who might just be as clever as he thinks he is
Thanks for the tickets! We're ready to roll. This will be the last letter I send. The next word from me (and Ratso) will be in person!
Ratso and KC

(I couldn't figure out how to write something with just using letters, but here is a story with a letter being part of the story. If anyone wants to continue this story please do so.)

He wandered down the dim corridor stepping lightly so not to wake his sleeping uncle. When he got to his desk he sat down and started writing a letter.

Dear Uncle Tod,

I am leaving. Don't worry about me I'll be ok. Maybe with one less mouth to feed you can make ends meet better. When I settle down and earn some money of my own I'll make sure to send some money back. Until then I hope you both stay healthy and I hope I'll see you soon.

With All My Love Your Devoted Nephew, Alex Kelly

Then Alex put the letter into an envelope and wrote his name on the envelope. Slowly and quietly he stood up grabbed his coat and the small bundle he had packed earlier. Then he looked at the house that he had grown up in. Then all of a sudden he turned around went to the door and left. He was ready to make his way in the world somehow. Although at that moment he had no idea how he was going to do that. All he knew was that somehow he needed to get some money for his dear aunt and uncle and hopefully before they lost their home.

The days here are longer than the ones we had back home. My parents are gone working in the camps, and I'm left here holding onto Benny, the only thing I have left of you from before we left. I wonder what you are studying now at school? Have they moved on to algebra yet? You always loved mathematics while I despised it greatly. Mama always told me it would be useful one day, but I find no use for it here except to count the days until we can come home, if we can ever come home.

Outside of reading and writing and making sure Benny stays clean and safe, there isn't much to do. I watch out the window and set Benny up so he can see, too. We watch the men and women go back and forth carrying buckets of water and coal and listen for the alarm in case we need to go underground. It has only gone off twice the past month. Some say that it's unusual, that maybe things are beginning to change. I don't think anything is changing. I think it is getting worse.

Papa has developed a cough and Mama looks after him but he still has to work. He says he must so we don't starve. Medicine is too expensive, so an old lady gave Papa some herbs in water to drink. He says it's bitter but it makes his throat not sore.

Do not worry about us. Papa says if we keep our heads down and follow the rules, we won't get in trouble. Madeline, I know this letter won't reach you, but I wanted you to know that it'll be okay. Benny will send the message our secret way. I hope it finds you well.

Shiloh Adlar, Seventh Year, Prefect, RQT Co-Captain"Let us read, and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world." -Voltaire

Dear Elizabeth!
It is so long since I have written you. I really felt like writing today so here it is.
Me and my family are enjoying vacation in America and we are really missing your warm visits. We are travelling in New York tommorow. Florida was so good and I wanted to stay there. I will send you some pictures of Hollywood visit last week probably quite soon.
Oh, i forgot to mention that there is someone special that I have met last week in Hollywood. And you know what? He said that he is from England and there he lives in London. He gave me his number and I was so so happy.
Yours sincerly Laura
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Laura
I am so glad that you like it in America. Your letter made my day much brighter, because it is so rainy in London. We need to met someday soon and drink one coffee together. You will tell me about that mysterious guy than, won't you! Also feeling like travelling when you are sending me such great news. Probably in august me and my family are leaving in France. I am so excited for this. Hoppefully we will meet sooner than this, I guess.
Yours Elizabeth